THE coronavirus crisis sweeping through the UK has sparked huge fears of a shortage of vital food and medicine, with nearly half of lorries forced off the road and many haulage firms on the "brink of collapse".

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Lorries are vital during these critical times as they are transporting essential goods up and down Britain as the country continues its desperate battle against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. The UK is entering a fourth week of a nationwide lockdown, but several businesses have been forced to close while costs from operational losses have surged into the millions. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has warned many transport firms on the "brink of collapse".

There are fears of food and medicine shortages as lorries are forced off the road (Image: PA)

The Road Haulage Association has warned many transport firms on the 'brink of collapse' (Image: PA)

"An average haulier will make maybe two percent margin, they'll have two to three weeks cashflow within their business.

"We've got hauliers at the moment who can't even furlough their staff, because they have insufficient cash to pay those employees.

"We need cash, we need grants, we need help to balance and normalise this cashflow problem, and the loan system simply doesn't work at this point in time."

Independent hauliers, whose main income stems from transporting equipment for large concerts and events, are in the midst of a massive crisis as many have been cancelled in order to follow the Government's strict rules on social distancing and large public gatherings.